STD Info

Are You At Risk?

Infectious diseases seem to come and go, sometimes causing scary outbreaks, while other times seeming to disappear. But some infectious pathogens are always with us, lurking just below the surface of society.

Sexually transmitted diseases are one major group of diseases that make for ongoing hidden epidemics: In the United States alone, there are nearly 20 million cases of new sexually transmitted infections yearly, from just eight viruses and bacteria, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

STDs are infections spread by sexual contact with skin, genitals, mouth, rectum, or body fluids. Although some STDs can be treated, others cannot. People with an STD may not know they have it.1 According to the Centers for Disease Control, in the United States, 1 out of 4 women between the ages of 14 and 19 is infected with at least one STD.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s) pose a serious risk to future reproductive and overall health, especially if left untreated. People who have an STD are at least 2 to 5 times more likely to contract HIV, the virus which leads to AIDS.2

More than 1 in 3 female teens who have had sex have an STD.3 As your number of partners and sexual encounters increases, your risk of contracting an STD increases dramatically.

Note: Notify all sex partners that you have an STD so they can be tested and treated. You should be re-tested for STDs 3-4 months after finishing treatment.

What is Your STD Risk Ratio?

Most STD’s go un-diagnosed because symptoms are not recognized or are very mild. An infected individual can share an STD with their partner before ever realizing they have one. Because some STD’s are asymptomatic; meaning they show no signs or symptoms of disease, it’s important to be tested. Life Choices Women’s Center will soon be offering STI/STD testing (Fall 2017). Please give us a call to receive more information.

Prevalent STDs

Definition: A common sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, which can damage a woman’s reproductive organs.Chlamydia is the most prevelant STD. Use of hormonal contraceptives increases your risk of contracting Chlamydia. 75% of women who are infected with Chlamydia do not know they have it, because they have NO SYMPTOMS.

Symptoms of Chlamydia in women include:

Abnormal vaginal discharge

Burning sensation with urination

Lower abdominal pain

Low back pain

Painful intercourse

Symptoms of Chlamydia in men include:

Discharge from the penis

Burning sensation with urination

Burning and itching around the opening of the penis

Symptoms can take 1-3 weeks to appear after exposure

Risks: Increases a woman’s susceptibility to HIV.

If left untreated: Can develop into a “silent” infection, impacting a woman’s future ability to have children.

Definition: A sexually transmitted disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that can grow and multiply easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract in women and men. Many women and men have NO SYMPTOMS of Gonorrhea. Symptoms can take up to 30 days to appear.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea in women include:

Painful or burning sensation when urinating

Increased vaginal discharge

Vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods

Symptoms of Gonorrhea in men include:

Burning sensation when urinating

White, yellow, or green discharge

Risks: Increases a woman’s susceptibility to HIV. Can be transmitted to infants during birth, causing blindness, joint and blood infections.

If left untreated: Can develop into PID and infertility in both men and women.